There isn’t a ‘magic bullet’ for engagement. What is broadly true is that the more a particular activity aims to ‘inform’, the less it can ‘consult’, while ‘participation’ – perhaps paradoxically – also tends to be associated with informing. It is also true that the activities which engage most tend to do so with the least number of people

A balance therefore has to be struck, taking into account the competing needs to inform, consult and engage – and to reach the widest, most appropriate audience